Ben Barba pleads not guilty to assault, disorderly charges over Mackay nightclub incident

Former Dally M medalist and Mackay son Ben Barba is back in court over alleged nightclub antics but this time he says the cops have got it wrong. LATEST.

Ben Barba will plead not guilty to three offences after an incident at the Rabbit Hole on July 7, 2024.

Former NRL superstar Ben Barba plans to fight assault allegations over a drunken clash at a popular Mackay CBD nightclub.

The disgraced rugby league player is charged with three offences after an incident at the Rabbit Hole on July 7, 2024.

These are: common assault in a public place while adversely affected by an intoxicating substance, failing to leave licensed premises and removal of person from the premises.

Police allege the 35-year-old, who returned to Mackay after his NRL contract was retracted, assaulted another person, refused to immediately leave the Rabbit Hole when asked and resisted being removed by an authorised person.

Ben Barba Mackay vs Cairns at Foley Shield Saturday 4 May 2024 Picture: Michaela Harlow

The case was briefly mentioned in Mackay Magistrates Court on Wednesday and Mr Barba was represented by ATSILS solicitor Sarah Reid, who indicated her client would be entering pleas to all charges.

When asked, Mr Barba pleaded not guilty to all offences.

In 2016 the former Dally M medallist was dumped by the Cronulla Sharks and kicked out of the league after a positive cocaine test.

While serving out his ban he played in the French and English league before the Cowboys offered him a $400,000 a year contract, which was later ripped up and he was sacked before even playing a game over an incident in 2019.

Matters were adjourned to November 11 for hearing.

Originally published as Ben Barba pleads not guilty to assault, disorderly charges over Mackay nightclub incident